Pagan Gods: Of Brotherhood and War

The Monster
The dark portal opens again…

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The monster steps through, greater in size than before…he breaths our heavily feeling the glorious feral power of the pagan woods…his tentacles and claws just penetrate the bound around the woods…the power of this place is intoxicating

the monster growls…. he senses his misted lover deep in the woods…she calls to him…

Dahvin the Defiant
I instantly feel the dark portal open again and I feel the Monster prowling for a Hunt at my borders. But still he finds no entrance to My Hallowed Domain. The growls of this beast sicken me now as they always have in eons past.

With a Sacred Arrow of the Hunt notched, the Hunter lies in wait for the Monster to cross the threshold...if he can or if he dares.... But the Silent Hunter remains just that: silent and hunting His prey.

The Monster
I feel the mighty Dahvin…his infernal light and rutting nature empower this place and like eons I kept out…kept away from her… “I can feel you out there Dahvin!!!” The monster cries out

Madison Jones:
".... what is that?" I wonder, as a shutter running down my spine.

The Monster
“I feel you in the woods!!!”

Dahvin the Defiant
Silence answers except for the whispering of the winds through the barren trees.

The Monster
”You will NOT keep her from me!!!” The monster’s massive tentacles bang and barrage the boarder… the monster is getting stronger

“DAHVIN!!!!! YOU FUCKING RUT PIG I WILL CURSE YOU IN DARKNESS ANS FRAST ON YOUR CORE!!!! DO YOU HEAR ME!!” The monster yells…

Dahvin the Defiant
I grin wider at the despair that still plagues the Monster after eons of failure. But I will not tease him of his failed attempts. No, the memories he has already do that well enough.... For now....

The Monster
The dark portal reopens…the monster is shrouded in mist and disappears.

Madison Jones:
"Did it... leave?" I look toward the sky from the shore of Lake Crystarium.

Dahvin the Defiant
The notched holy arrow is returned to it's quiver as I breathe in and feel the cold wind of Winter blowing across my still hidden form in the trees. And I hear voices in My Wood. The human magician. It's time I gave him a gift.

Dahvin the Defiant
With a rush of wind and the rustling of leaves, I appear before the skinling at Lake Crystarium. "You are here, mortal, but it may not be safe for much longer. Will you come with me to the Lodge?" I ask as I hold out my hand to you.

Madison Jones:
"Dah... Lord Dahvin. Of course." I take your hand.

Dahvin the Defiant
I nod and pull you to me, and suddenly the winds rustle and we are gone. While with me, you see the Divine Conduits within the Forest that I use to travel Her great expanse with ease. Flowing green energy swirls through the roots of the Forest, and in an instant, we are back at the Lodge with another swirl of leaves. "Come inside with me," I say as I head in.

Madison Jones:
I waste no time in following you. "That thing... what is it? I've never felt anything quite like that before, save for perhaps my... creator."

Dahvin the Defiant
As we go in, I grab a stone mortar and pestle and take it to the hearth. I grab my knife and cut my hand, letting my green blood flow into the mortar. "That thing is an entity that wants to undo all existence as we know it," I say as I grab a handful of ash from the hearth and add it to the mortar. "He seeks entry to the woods to claim his lost lover....someone that is trapped here in the Woods," I say as I motion for you to come closer to the mortar with me.

Madison Jones:
I come forward without questioning your actions, though making clear mental note of it. I can't help but to wonder what power the blood of Dahvin the Defiant might hold. "Forgive my curiosity, but who is his lost lover?"

Dahvin the Defiant
"The name matters not. He is a beast to slaughter," I hiss at the thought of him as I hold out my hand for yours. "I will bond you to the Lodge with your blood. You will be able to call yourself back here one time with this blessing....if you choose to accept it."

Madison Jones:
"I see no reason to decline such an offer. It won't cause problems with the other magics flowing through me will it?" I cautiously hold out my hand before presenting it full for Lord Dahvin.

Dahvin the Defiant
I look at you considering your question. "It may...if your magics are against the flow of Life in the world.... Or if you seek to end the cycle of Rut.... Or you wish to end the Great Hunt.... Do your magics seek to do any of these, skinling?"

Madison Jones:
"I believe these powers are mine to control. The source of them is of a dark entity though... I believe that this power merged entirely with my soul..." I pause. "I will take the risk. My agreement with him is that I would continue to be Madison Jones first." I continue to hold out my hand willing to accept the blessing.

Dahvin the Defiant
I nod and bring your hand over the mortar. "Remember my first lesson to you, mortal. Darkness and nature are not at odds with one another. The night is beautiful, is it not?" I ask as I cut your hand with my blade, your blood flowing into the mortar and mixing with mine and the hearth ash. With a brush of my thumb over your palm, the cut is healed. I begin mixing with the pestle then as I turn to the Great Hearth.

Madison Jones:
I watch in awe at the power of the mighty Dahvin the Defiant. "Of course your lordship, I've always felt that darkness is a part of nature and not inherently... evil. There is undeniably a dark part of me that I use to try and use it to do good things, I feel that is proof enough of such a concept. And yes, the night is beautiful, especially on a full moon." I grip my hand after it is healed.

Dahvin the Defiant
I nod as I dip my fingers into the mixture and hear that you have heeded my words. "Good. Now...for the blessing. Come whisper a word in my ear for me to seal the blessing with. It will be your word to trigger the blessing in a moment of need. It will only work here in the Forest, but it will bring you to the Lodge and unfetter you from any magic should you be bound."

Madison Jones:
I think of a word that I wouldn't say by accident... lean in close to the lord of the land, and whisper it so only he may hear.

Dahvin the Defiant
I nod and then use my fingers to paint the word on the Hearthstone. The green, red, and white of my blood, your blood, and the ash meld into one, the Hearthstone lighting up with the magic. "It is done. You will be allowed to escape one time in my Forest. Use it only in the most dire of circumstances, skinling."

Madison Jones:
"Thank you for the blessing your lordship." I take a bow. "On a related topic to the monster, Argoniya has taught me a sharpening enchantments that should make weapons piece its flesh."

Dahvin the Defiant
I nod. "Excellent. Have you tested it?"

Madison Jones:
"On a stone soldier made of granite. Nothing else at this time unfortunately."

Dahvin the Defiant
I shake my head as I lift my hand to my chin. "That may not be enough to pierce the monster's skin.... Hrmmm...." I try to think of My past Hunts and think if there's a suitable creature's pelt that we could test the enchantments on. "Let me get something for you...to aid you in your testing. I will have it back on the morrow," I say as I contemplate retrieving the items.

Madison Jones:
"Anything you can offer would be appreciated. Lord Argoniya did tell me that the enchantment would only be effective against lesser enchanted things... and I am but a novice at this craft. He was very forthcoming though."

Dahvin the Defiant
I nod at your assessment of Argoniya. "Aye, he is. As am I," I say as I look you up and down. "If your enchantment succeeds, I will see what I can do to help you with your affliction. I make no promises, of course...but you would have my boon in your quest for your services, magician."

Madison Jones:
"Well if I can learn how to capture a soul and spread it over multiple moons..." I shake my head, "More pressing matters as hand. The protection of these woods comes first. For now I am afraid I must leave for matters in my other life. I will be back often to explore and work on the problems here. You have my word."

Dahvin the Defiant
"Be well, magician. You are free to come and go as you please. And.... Be safe, wherever your travels take you."

Madison Jones:
I bow once more and depart.

Jake English:
Much has transpired in recent days it would seem… Let us hope the eldritch one has not dared set foot in these woods again as of late.

Dahvin the Defiant
I hear the voice of the young hunter that graced My Forest a few days ago. I still remember his taste. "Ah... you. Eldritch one?" I ask curiously. I cannot be too cautious these days....

Jake English:
Evening, master of the forest. There was a dark one in these woods not many nights ago. The wretched miasma of his foulness lingered in the air not long after his intrusion into these parts...

Dahvin the Defiant
"Ah.... I believe you are referring to the one that came again...."

Jake English:
Again? He has been here before?

Dahvin the Defiant
"Many times. Since near the dawn of existence."

Jake English:
Opposed to all you stand for I presume. Is he one we ought to be worried about?

Dahvin the Defiant
"Aye. On both accounts. He wishes to undo creation as we know it, mortal. But I will stop him...as I have done before in eons past. He and his mate will not be reunited."

Jake English:
Theres a mate? Chrikes if there wasn't enough to be concerned about already. Some entities just can’t be chuffed to leave well enough alone it seems… Especially where creation is concerned! These bastards going around as if existence is somehow a net negative. Is this the one for whom many here are gearing up for war?

Dahvin the Defiant
"There is always a mate for anything alive, mortal. Else, there is not point to Life. Even one such as he needs a mate....." I hiss disgustedly at the truths of the universe. "He may be. But seasons of change bring more than one new predator sometimes. Beware, mortal. You may not be safe from many threats."

Jake English:
I grew up on a jungle island smack dab in the middle of the pacific, lord of the hunt. Megafauna not of this world were a constant presence, a constant danger. A life in danger is one I am only all too familiar with.

Madison Jones:
I return to the lodge with a spear in hand. "Oh, evening Jake, and of course your Lordship." I offer a bow for the lord of the land.

Jake English:
Evening madison. I was telling the master of the hunt about the ah... intrusion from a few nights ago.

Madison Jones:
"Do you speak of... The Monster?" I seem concerned.

Jake English:
I think so. Whatever it was it left that dark taint lingering in the air and I had to do a little housekeeping to cast it out.

Madison Jones:
"Ah yes, that was the creature. He made another appearance a few hours ago." I shutter, "It was powerful indeed."

Jake English:
Another appearance?! *Almost in reply the familiar white light fills my hand, as if holding flame in my palm.* Do I need to clear the air again?

Madison Jones:
I take a sniff, "It's about the same as before, at least to me. His lordship said earlier that the creature failed to enter if I recall."

Dahvin the Defiant
I see the white light filling your hand and I recall the title that was mentioned to me. "How do you do that, mortal?" I ask as my eyes narrow in curiosity. There's much to learn about this Page of Hope....

Madison Jones:
I offer the spear back to his Lordship while Jake begins his explanation.

Jake English:
Oh! This ol piece of work. *A bit of a chuckle from me as my other hand runs through my hair.* It's an ability I gained after a rather long quest as it so happens. Five months long journey of introspection and exploration and a fair bit of slaying the undead. It... is a very long story. Part of it would require me to explain the nomenclature behind my title.

Suffice to say journeys end gave me a certain degree of control over one of twelve different forces presiding over all of reality— aspects, they're called. Twelve pillars undergirding all that was, is, and ever will be, or could be.

Madison Jones:
I take a seat and lean against the wall while the explanation is happening, nodding along as I follow Jake's story.

Jake English:
I do apologize if I start to sound like I'm blathering on about some udder cockamamie. Sometimes I've been known to bump my gums til I'm blue in the puss.

Madison Jones:
"We all have complicated pasts Jake." I look to his Lordship to see how he takes my friend's explanation.

Dahvin the Defiant
"Blue....in the puss?" I say turning my head. "Is this a reference to a woman who has been mated fiercely? If so, I do not follow your expression, mortal," the god confesses with no hesitation whatsoever.

Jake English:
Pffffffhahahaha no sir, no what i meant to say was sometimes i talk too much! Almost till I'm blue in the face as the more modern version of the saying goes.

Jake English:
But yeah in essence I was at some point granted the power to handle to some degree one of the forces governing existence.

Dahvin the Defiant
"I follow you, young Page. Also, I apologize for my distracted nature tonight," I say as I sharpen another blade for war. "As you can see....there is much to prepare tonight. What brings you to the forest tonight, though?" I ask as the sharpening stone burrs on the foresteel of a greatsword.

Jake English:
*A little while spent tracing the outline of an array on the ground, the symbols of the twelve arranged around a circle.*

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Quietude perhaps. Or company. The wilds are almost second nature to me... and it does not hurt that I have friends here as well.

*Looking up, I cast a grin at Madison, giving him a bit of a wink.*

Madison Jones:
I nod and wink back. "Of course buddy."

Dahvin the Defiant
I smile as I see the bond between these humans. Even though there are so many vast differences between us Gods and them, I can see aspects of them in us, just as they see aspects of we Gods in them. "Brethren," I say quietly with a smile on my face.

Madison Jones:
"Yes your lordship?" I look over in anticipation of the following words.

Jake English:
*I settle down next to Madison to sling an arm around his shoulders, eyeing my work over before casting a glance back to dahvin and the sword he sharpens.*

Dahvin the Defiant
I look up and grin wider. "Brethren. Your bond. It reminds me of old Brothers long lost or long asleep," I say as I look at the symbols strewn on the ground now. "And you represent one of these pillars, mortal?" I ask as I look down at them.

Jake English:
*I nod, my hand on instinct directed towards the sign of a pair of wings.* Hope. The aspect of ideas, of imagination and belief, of dreams and flights of fancy.

Everything that mortals would die for, would fight for.

Madison Jones:
"Imagination huh?" I trail off.

Jake English:
Something on your mind there Madison?

Madison Jones:
"Oh, it's that imagination is key to how I do my magic." I begin a demonstration by making my bladed cloth appear in my hands, and with a flourish I let it drape over your diagram on the floor.

Madison Jones:
"I tap into the mana available, this land overflowing with it... I can then concentrate on making concepts in my mind. Imagination you might say..." I close my eyes.

Jake English:
An awful lot like how I do my own thing. Believing in something hard enough makes it that much more real i always like to say. It just so happens that my power allows that to literally be so.

Madison Jones:
"From there I channel the mana through me, and make my mind reality...." I pull the cloth away revealing glass spheres of each of your aspects on the floor in the spots they were shown before.

“Perhaps we have more in common than I thought Jake... though the means of which I am able to tap into mana comes from a source much darker..." I hold my hand up to my heart.

Dahvin the Defiant
"Magic of the mind," I say nodding as I hear your explanations of your respective magics.

Madison Jones:
"While we are talking about things related to this Lord Dahvin... May I ask a question about your realm?"

Jake English:
*Discreetly I bend down to pocket two of the orbs — the one encasing the wings for hope, the other holding the heart symbol.*

Dahvin the Defiant
I nod at Madison.

Madison Jones:
"One of the human stories talked about a man leading his people to freedom from a kingdom of oppression, his deity granting him a staff filled with wonders. This man was promised that if he led his people faithfully, they would eventually reach what they called, the promised land. A land overflowing with mana." I pause looking up to your ancient eyes. "I doubt you are the deity these people were following, but I wonder if this land is that promised land?"

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Dahvin the Defiant
I smile at the question. A wide smile of a Father asked a question from one much younger and full of curiosity about the world and all of its underpinnings. I wonder if the answer will disappoint you?

"No. This is not that place. But...this can certainly be one stop on yours or anyone's journey to that place," I say. "In fact, this realm is the manifestation of Life itself, without which none of us would be here, even we Gods. You could say My Woods are but one pillar of that place....much like your spheres. Argoniya's realm is another aspect of it. And there are more. Many more than 12, though. There are infinite shards or pillars of that place." I pause to see if my 'answer' so far makes any sense to your mortal mind.

Madison Jones:
My eyes reflect an understanding as I have been told similar things before by other powerful beings. "Yes, that makes sense. There are others who have said very similar things, though I suspect you may be the strongest entity I have encountered. Thank you for your wisdom, your lordship." I offer a slight bow.

Jake English:
Jane would love it here... though i will admit she is absolutely unused to communing so intimately with nature...

*Another explanation, for the unfamiliar name.* Another one of my friends, similarly endowed. Her magic focuses heavily on healing, befitting her title as Maid of Life.

Madison Jones:
"I'm not sure of the upper limits of what I can do with my abilities yet. I feel like I'm still growing. I fear though that as I continue to grow, I will draw more and more attention to myself." I sigh. "I feel like this land is worth the risk to protect."

Jake English:
You think the monster would like to sink its metaphorical and literal tendrils into you? As best as I can, I'm not going to allow that to come to pass. Got another thing coming if he thinks he can lay waste to the wilds without pushback.

Dahvin the Defiant
I nod again at the bow from the mortal. "You are welcome, Madison Jones," I say as I continue as I place the sharpened greatsword on the sword rack.

"Maid of Life.... Interesting. She sounds as one who would be in tune with my domains, mortal," I answer to the adventurer.

Madison Jones:
"I suppose I could join you in the labors my lord." I stand and move over to the rack of blades.

Jake English:
She would! Adjusting to the wilds might be tricky for her though. ...She uh, grew up in the suburbs, one of the only two of my chums with such a background.

Madison Jones:
"With your permission your lordship, may I take these to the lake so I can begin enchanting them? Perhaps Jake can help me in carrying them."

Dahvin the Defiant
"No, he will try to siege these lands, but he will find he will fail yet again. You should protect yourselves, though. He is strong. I fear he may overwhelm you mortals even in his limited form."

I nod at your idea of taking the weapons to the lake to begin enchanting them. "You may. Thank you again for your assistance, mortals," I say with a closed fist over my heart and a nod to you both.

Jake English:
*A salute to the lord of the forest, and then a bow at that.* We will take caution lest he make an appearance I can promise you that.

Dahvin the Defiant
"Oh, he will make another appearance. count on that, Page of Hope."

Madison Jones:
"Alright then Jake, if you would help me carry these?" I let out a vocal oomph as I try to lift up such a large metal weapon. I manage to get a few over my shoulder.

Jake English:
Then I may have to ready myself to bring in the metaphorical heavy artillery if it has to come to that. Not a prospect I'm too keen on... *Grunting as I heft up a few other swords, I consider carrying them across my shoulders like a yoke to avoid burdening one shoulder or the other.*

Dahvin the Defiant
"Ah.... Wait," I say as I look at you, thinking you two small children off to do something way more dangerous than you should, but.... in these times....

I come over and place a hand on your heads, pouring some of my strength into you to bolster you both. "There.... You should find hefting foresteel is much easier for you now. Never forget it's weight and strength, though - it is the hardest substance in this realm...and thus the sharpest. understand?" I say as though I'm talking to two pups from my litter.

Tony Jacked:
"Do these warriors need assistance, can I help?"

Madison Jones:
"Thank you your lordship." I crack a smile towards the 2nd lieutenant.

Dahvin the Defiant
"I believe they were just taking these weapons to the lake. I will leave you to it then... The Hunt calls me again...." I say as I go to the wall and take my bow and quiver, heading out. "Be safe...all of you...."

Jake English:
Many thanks, and take care, lord of the forest.

Madison Jones:
"Tony, would you like to help us? Your muscles would be very welcome both in use and for viewing."

Tony Jacked:
"Love to help you guys out any way I can." i bounce my pecs and wink at you

Madison Jones:
"Sure thing. Help us carry some weapons to the lake a few miles away."

Jake English:
Foresters, impressively awesome stuff. Do you reckon it could be used to cast cannon shots? Just thinking about its status as the hardest substance in the realm is all.

Madison Jones:
"Perhaps, I don't know that one though." With four swords on me, two over each shoulder, I head out towards the lake.

Published: 2021-11-28, viewed 52 times.